Terrible two’s?

[Whathefisgoingon]

My son turned 2 in February and for the last few days I have been going through a difficult time with him.

He has been unwell for the last few weeks with a cold leading to a nasty bout of conjunctivitis.

I have have never seen him like this before. The last few days he just repeatedly calls me “mummy” on repeat, even walking around aimlessly. I suppose he doesn’t know what he wants and I am his comfort, but if I try and offer a distraction (toy, game etc) he will 99% of the time say “NO!”, and if I dare hand him something like a biscuit, he will throw it on the floor, then get upset and cry even more than it’s now broken. Dinner gets chucked, cups get thrown etc

He has started having melt downs when he doesn’t get what he wants or when we need to do something, like put his shoes or coat on. Planking and lots of tears.

He is totally fine at nursery, but as soon as I’ve got him, it begins. It’s not all the time, but there are way more melt downs now than ever before.

Is this what everyone refers to as the terrible twos??

Yes, he has big emotions that he doesn't know what to do with and you are his safe place. How you act is critical. Read some books about this stage so you feel prepared?

@Perfect28 I’ll have a look. I feel like I handle it the same I always have, calmly let him know I’m there for him if he wants me and ride through the storm. Big distractions sometimes work, like a change in environment (garden etc)

I thought the newborn stage was hard but if we are in this for the long haul then this takes the biscuit.

I hear you. The whole of Asda and the neighbouring shops knew we'd popped in for a couple of essential items today, it was about the ninety millionth meltdown of the day. Life is challenging when you are two and unable to regulate your emotions.

Mine is currently going through the same. I knew tantrums would be challenging but it's something else when you're in the thick of it. It sounds like you're dealing with it in the right way. I find biglittlefeelings really helpful. I have their course but the info on their Instagram is also very useful. What helps me the most is knowing that it's OK for my toddler to be sad/angry/frustrated/disappointed etc. It's not my job to snap her out of it and make her happy. It's my job to validate her emotions and help her through her big feelings. It's hard being a parent to a two year old but it's also hard being a two year old.

Also remember nobody is judging even if it feels that way, you never need be embarrassed. This too shall pass.